Lock anti-pick device

ABSTRACT

An anti-pick device for a lock is described which includes means for disabling the lock, and means including a key slot for operating the disabling means. A housing is mounted over the key slot entrance and a key holder is mounted slidably in the housing for movement along the path aligned with the key slot. A recess is provided in the key holder extending transversely of the path of movement of the key holder for receiving the key and supporting the key in alignment with the key slot.

[111 3,834,198 ]*Sept. 10,1974

LOCK ANTI-PICK DEVICE 2,189,227 2/1940 Schoch 292/1 Max Wiczer 9122 Kedvale skokie 3,630,053 12/1971 Krakauer.................... 70/421 9 a 1 111. 60076 Th f th t f Primary Examiner-Albert G. Craig, Jr. igfz gg g f 990 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fitch, Even, Tabin & has been disclaimed. Luedeka Feb. 21, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 334,394 [57 ABSTRACT 63 f l Appmm Data An anti-pick device for a lock is described which infgg g fi g gg 33 cludes means for disabling the lock, and means including a key slot for operating the disabling means. A housing is mounted over the key slot entrance and a Z2Z @Q key holder is mounted slidably in the housing for Int Cl Eosb 13/08 5/04 movement along the path aligned with the key slot. A [58] Fieid 70/156 273 406 recess is provided in the key holder extending trans- 70/ versely of the path of movement of the key holder for receiving the key and supporting the key in alignment References Cited wlth the key slot UNITED STATES PATENTS 8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 483,298 9/1892 70/107 ilnite States Patent [1 1 Wiczer [76] Inventor:

[*1 Notice:

[22] Filed:

77 I rnnnaflnhrddwnufi J M ./.|||,u1|/\. 9 9 t 1111 Me. un 4 9 .lllln l l l i 3 /J: m/ 5H9 7w 7/ e 2 6 e7 .9 3i a0 5 5 A 4 .1. 5 9]. n 4 M i LOCK ANTI-PICK DEVICE This application is a continuation-in-part application of copending application Ser. No. 294,385 filed Oct. 2, 1972, now US. Pat. No. 3,765,199 dated Oct. 16, 1973.

This invention relates generally to locking devices and, more particularly, to an anti-pick device for a lock having a movable element.

Various techniques have been devised by nefarious individuals within society for opening locking devices without the necessity of employing a key. Such techniques include picking, drilling, punching, and pulling the cylinder out of the lock.

In order to frustrate the activities of such persons employing the aforementioned techniques, a number of prior art devices'have been devised. Typically, these devices have not afforded as thorough protection against illegal tampering as might be desired. Moreover, such prior art devices have often been'difficult to install, expensive to construct, and have some times required extensive modification of the lock itself.

In the aforementioned copending patent application, an anti-pick device for a lock is described-which prevents a direct line of sight'access to the key slot and therefore provides a means for protection for the lock against picking, drilling, punching, and cylinder pulling. The device described in the aforementioned patent application is adapted for installation over the key slot entrance to an existing lock.

For certain types of locks, the device described in the aforementioned patent application may not be suitable. For example, in locks of the so called T-Handle type in which, upon opening of the lock, a handle springs outwardly from a recess to enable turning and opening of a latch, the locking device as described in the aforementioned patent application may interfere with the operation of the handle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved anti-pick device for a lock.

Another object of the invention is to provide an antipick device for a lock which is readily installed, inexpensive to construct, and does not require major modification of. the lock itself.

It is another object of the invention to adapt the antipick device of the previously set forth patent applica I Various other objects of the invention in addition to those set forth above will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a full cross sectional view of the device of the invention, shown installed-with a lock in a panel;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a portion of th apparatus of FIG. 1.

Very generally, the anti-pick device of the invention comprises disabling means 11 for engaging and disengaging a movable element 12 of a lock 13 for preventing and enabling movement-of the movable element. A rotary memberl4 is provided, and means 15 are provided for operating the disabling means in response to rotation of the rotary member. A key slot 16 in the rotary member is adapted for receiving a key 17 for rotating the rotarymember. A housing 18 is mounted about the entrance to the key slot, and a key holder 19 is mounted slidably in relation to the housing for linear movement along a path aligned with the key slot. The key holder has a recess 21 therein for receiving the key and supporting the key in alignment with the key slot. The recess extends transversely of the path of move- .ment of the key holder.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the invention is shown employed in connection with a T- Handle lock assembly with an Ace lock of the type manufactured by the Chicago Lock Company, Chicago, Ill. The anti-pick device of the invention is adapted for mounting to a panel 23 in which the lock is already mounted in order to provide protection for the existing lock against tampering. The device of the invention may be so mounted without substantial modification of the lock or the panel, as will be described. The panel 23 may be, for example, the door to a vending machine cabinet 24.

The lock illustrated in the drawings includes a movable element or body 12 which projects through an opening 25 in the panel 23 and which has a handle 27 mounted thereon. The body 12 contains the lock mechanism internally thereof, and the lock mechanism,

which is not illustrated, is operated by the insertion of a key, not shown, in an annular slot 29. The body is supported in a bracket 31 which is mounted by means of a flange 33 to the panel 23 by bolts 35 and nuts 37. A shim plate 39 is placed behind the panel for additional rigidity. The flange 33 is provided with a recess 41 and the body 12 is movable axially within the bracket 31 so as to enable the handle 27 to be recessed within the recess 41 when the lock is in a locked condition. To hold the body with the handle in the recessed condition, a pin, not shown, mounted internally of the lock body, enters a hole 42 in the bracket 31. Operation of the lock mechanism by the key withdraws the pin from the hole.

A spring 43 is mounted between the inner end of the body 12 and an inwardly projecting annular wall 45 on the inner end of the bracket 31. The spring 43 biases the body 12 axially outward and therefore biases the handle 27 into the position illustrated. In this position, an internal keyway not shown couples the handle 27 to a lock shaft 47 in order to enable the shaft 47 to be rotated when the handle 27 is turned. The shaft 47 is connected to drive a threaded shaft 49, the latter being mounted for rotation within the annular flange 45 of the bracket 31 by means of washers 51, 53, and 55. Suitable mechanisms, such as a latch, not illustrated, are mounted on the threaded shaft 49 for operation by the handle 27.

When the lock 13 is in the locked condition, the han- I cessible when the lock 13 is in the locked condition.

Accordingly, tampering with the lock could cause release of the internal latching mechanisms within the lock body 12 and enable the lock to be placed in the illustrated condition andthe latch mechanism to be operated. In order to prevent this, the device of the invention is employed.

In accordance with the invention, a U-shaped bracket 57 is mounted to the inside of the panel adjacent the lock bracket 31. The bottom of the U-shaped bracket 57 is provided with an opening 59 through which the lower one of the screws 35 passes. The sides of the U-shaped bracket 57 are provided with a pair of aligned openings 61 and 63 through which a pin 65 is adapted to slidably pass. The lock 13 is altered by means of providing a simple hole, recess, or other detent 67 in the lock body 12 such that the recess 67 is in alignment with the holes 63 and 61 when the lock 13 is in the locked condition. This enables the pin 65 to be passed into the recess. With the pin 65 in the recess, the

lock 13 is disabled in that the handle 27 may neither'be withdrawn nor rotated to operate the latch.

The pin 65, which forms part of the disabling means 11, is biased toward the movable element or body 12 of the lock 13 by means of a suitable spring 69. The spring 69 is contained between one side of the U- shaped bracket 57 and a washer 71. The washer is held in place by a suitable spring clip 73 secured in an annular groove in the pin 65. The washer 71 provides a stop for the axial movement of the pin 65 by engaging the inner side of the U-shaped bracket 57 when the pin aligns with the recess 67 in the body 12 of the lock 13.

In order to retract the disabling pin 65 from the recess 67 and enable the lock 13 to beoperated, the pin 65 is provided with a washer 75 on the end thereof away from the lock body 12. A shoulder 77 on the pin 65 retains the washer 75 on the pin. A pair of curved prongs 15 are provided for operating the disabling pin 65. As may be seen in FIG. 3, the prongs are mounted on the end of a bracket 81. The bracket 81 is provided with a square hole 83 therein which is slipped over a nut 85 screwed onto the threaded portion of a rotary member 14. The bracket is retained on the nut 85 by a washer 89 and bolt 91. The axis of rotation of the prongs is about the axis 92 of the rotary member 14, but the axis of curvature 79 of the prongs is offset to provide eccentric action.

The rotary member 14 is contained within the body 93 of a second lock 95. The second lock 95 is provided with an anti-pick device in accordance with that shown, described, and claimed in the aforementioned copending application, and the aforementioned copending application is incorporated herein by reference.

The body 93 of the lock 95 is secured to an annular disc 97 by means of a flange 99 and a nut 101. A key slot 16 is provided in the rotary member 14 in which a key 17 may be inserted for rotating the rotary member 14 in the lock body 93. The disc 97 is secured to a housing 103 by means of screws 105.

The housing 103 is supported in an opening 105 in the front panel 23 at a flange 107. A mounting collar 109 surrounds the housing 103 on the inner side of the panel 23 and is secured to the housing by set screws 111 which enter an annular recess 113 in the housing. Thus, the panel 23 is clamped-between the flange 107 and the collar 109 to support the housing 103 in the opening 105.

The housing 103 contains an internally projecting flange 113 in which or through which a key holder 19 is slidably supported. The key holder 19 is provided with an internal enlarged portion 115 which is contained within the housing 103 behind the flange 113, thus preventing removal of the key holder 19 from the flange. The key holder 19 is provided with a key slot 21 therein which is narrow and which has an opening extending transversely of the direction of movement of the key holder 19. A key 17 fits within the key slot 21 and the key holder 19 is then pushed inwardly to cause the key 17 to enter the key slot 16 for operating the lock 95.

Because the lock 13 is disabled by means located solely behind the panel 23, and because access to the lock95 is obtained only through the narrow key slot 21,'preventing direct line of access to the key slot 16, the invention provides a high degree of protection against tampering. Protection is provided against picking, drilling, punching, cylinder pulling, and many other types of nefarious activities. The device of the invention is-relatively simple of construction, is easily installed, and represents a significant improvement over the known prior art. The device of the invention is readily installed in an existing panel having a lock already mounted therein to provide protection without substantial modification of the existing lock.

Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

I. An anti-pick device for a lock having a movable element, comprising, disabling means for engaging and disengaging the movable element of the lock for preventing and enabling movement of the movable element, a rotary member, means for operating said disabling means in response to rotation of said rotary member, a key slot in said rotary member for receiving a key for rotating said rotary member, a housing for mounting about the entrance to said key slot, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, and a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with the key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with the key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said disabling means include a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein said operating means comprise a cam movable in response to rotation of said rotary member.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said cam comprises a pair of prongs curved about an axis which is parallel with and offset from the axis of rotation of said rotary member and which are mounted for rotation about the axis of said rotary member to provide an eccentric action.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said disabling means comprise a lock pin movable axially into and out of a receiving opening in the movable element, and wherein said lock pin includes means thereon for engaging said prongs.

7. A device according to claim 6 including a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element.

8. An anti-pick device for-a lock having a movable element, comprising, a lock pin movable axially into and out of a receiving opening in the movable element, a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element, a cam in engagement with said lock pin, a rotary member for moving said cam to move said lock pin against the bias of said spring, a key slot in said rotary member for receiving a key for rotating said rotary with the key slot, and a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with said key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with said key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing. 

1. An anti-pick device for a lock having a movable element, comprising, disabling means for engaging and disengaging the movable element of the lock for preventing and enabling movement of the movable element, a rotary member, means for operating said disabling means in response to rotation of said rotary member, a key slot in said rotary member for receiving a key for rotating said rotary member, a housing for mounting about the entrance to said key slot, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, and a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with the key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with the key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said disabling means comprise a lock pin movable axially into and out of a receiving opening in the movable element.
 3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said disabling means include a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element.
 4. A device according to claim 1 wherein said operating means comprise a cam movable in response to rotation of said rotary member.
 5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said cam comprises a pair of prongs curved about an axis which is parallel with and offset from the axis of rotation of said rotary member and which are mounted for rotation about the axis of said rotary member to provide an eccentric action.
 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said disabling means comprise a lock pin movable axially into and out of a receiving opening in the movable element, and wherein said lock pin includes means thereon for engaging said prongs.
 7. A device according to claim 6 including a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element.
 8. An anti-pick device for a lock having a movable element, comprising, a lock pin movable axially into and out of a receiving opening in the movable element, a spring biasing said lock pin toward the movable element, a cam in engagement with said lock pin, a rotary member for moving said cam to move said lock pin against the bias of said spring, a key slot in said rotary member for receiving a key for rotating said rotary member, a housing mounted about the entrance to said key slot, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, and a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with said key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with said key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing. 